What surprising material was once mined from beneath Port Charlotte’s surface, playing a key role in early Florida agriculture?

I'ts Official....Here comes another Publix to Port Charlotte!

It's sunset & sunrise season here in Port Charlotte. Lately, each sunset has been more beautiful than the one before. Check out this stunning & unretouched sunset photo. If you're missing these opportunities, get out there and check them out! 

This week's photo courtesy of Scott Nielson

Do you have a photo that captures the spirit and beauty of Port Charlotte and would like yours to be featured in an upcoming edition?

 Reach out!

Essential Port Charlotte Phone Numbers & Links

• Emergency (Police, Fire, EMS): 911

• Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency): (941) 639‑2101 — ccso.org

• Charlotte County Main Office: (941) 743‑1200 — charlottecountyfl.gov

• Charlotte County Utilities (24/7): (941) 764‑4300 or 800‑524‑3494 — charlottecountyfl.gov

• Utility Bill Pay by Phone: (941) 764‑4300 (opt. 1) or 1‑855‑289‑2866

• Charlotte County Sheriff’s District 3 – Port Charlotte: (941) 258‑3900 — ccso.org

• Charlotte County Jail: (941) 833‑6300 — ccso.org

• Charlotte County Clerk of Court: (941) 637‑2329 — charlotteclerk.com

• AdventHealth Port Charlotte: 2500 Harbor Blvd — AdventHealth

• Charlotte County Public Schools Administration: 1445 Education Way — School District

• Port Charlotte Public Library: (941) 764‑5562 — Library Info

• Mid‑County Regional Library: (941) 613‑3160 — Library Info

• Charlotte County Community Services: (941) 625‑7529 — Community Services

• FLHSMV Murdock Driver License Office: (941) 743‑1350 — flhsmv.gov

Port Charlotte Business Spotlight

The Blue Heron Celebrates it's One Year Anniversary

🍕 Yes, this month we're spotlighting the Blue Heron Pizza Pub, 

• 📅 Opened: August 1, 2024

• At a time when restaurant news is filled with closings and bankruptcies, there is a local establishment, (and one of the hidden gems of Port Charlotte), who is flourishing while preparing for it's One Year Anniversary Celebration.

• 🕒 Hours: Mon–Wed 11 am–10 pm; check for weekend updates

• 📍 Location: 992 Tamiami Trail, Ste F, Port Charlotte, FL 33953

• Tucked away quietly in the Grand Oak Plaza.we're guessing it's one of those places you've driven by numerous times, and never noticed it was there. If so....your loss!

• 🎟️ Atmosphere: Cozy, New England‑inspired pub with family‑friendly charm

• 📄 Details: Tucked into a modest strip off Tamiami Trail, Blue Heron Pizza Pub is a delicious new transplant from the Northeast. Founded by a Massachusetts native, this eatery blends local hospitality with pub‑style pizzas and bold appetizer creations. Fan-favorites include the Greek pizza with feta and tomatoes, Brazilian chicken & bacon pie, and signature Mac Attack egg rolls filled with burger fixings. The menu surprises and delights with comfort-food classics, Boston clam chowder, and 20+ wing flavors. A warm, casual setting with sports on TV and friendly service has quickly earned Blue Heron a loyal following, and an ever-growing clientele.

Port Charlotte’s Own Rising Star

10-Year-Old Racer Headed to Spain to Represent Team USA

While most kids his age are still deciding what they want to be when they grow up, 10-year-old Cohen Shoecraft already has his sights set on racing glory—and he's well on his way.

The Port Charlotte native has earned a coveted spot on Team USA for the T4 Nations Cup, an international karting competition taking place this October in Valencia, Spain. It’s a huge milestone for the young driver, who’s been dreaming of speed since the first grade.

“When my teacher asked me what I wanted to be, I said a NASCAR driver... or Formula 1… maybe IndyCar,” Cohen said with a grin. “I’ve always wanted to race.” Now, that dream is becoming a reality faster than he could have imagined.

Cohen punched his ticket to Spain after a clutch performance at the Orlando Cup, where he needed a first-place finish in the final race to qualify. Under pressure, the young racer delivered a flawless performance—qualifying on pole, winning every race, and leading every single lap.

“We told him, ‘Buddy, you’ve got to be perfect,’” said his father, Tom Shoecraft Jr. “And he just went out there and did it.” Cohen recalls the moment he knew victory was his. “When I saw the white flag, I looked back and saw I had almost a full straightaway gap. That’s when I knew I had it.”

The T4 Nations Cup will bring together the best young kart racers from across the globe, with Cohen proudly flying the stars and stripes on behalf of the U.S.—and Port Charlotte. “Most people expect the big-city kids, like from Tampa or Orlando, to win,” said Cohen. “But they didn’t see the kid from the small town coming.”

As he prepares to take on the world this fall, Cohen Shoecraft is not only chasing checkered flags—he’s also putting Port Charlotte on the international racing map.

We'll be keeping an eye on our hometown hero. His journey is just beginning.  (Here is the video from the 2024 World Championship)

📅 Upcoming Events in Port Charlotte & Surrounding Area

July 18, 2025 – Pokémon GO Community Day: Quaxly
Join Pokémon trainers at Port Charlotte Town Center for a fun-filled afternoon of hunts, trades, and snacks. 

July 22, 2025 – Computer A free gathering for all ages. e+& Cell Phone Classes

Held at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce in Port Charlotte, these beginner-friendly workshops will help attendees get comfortable with basic tech use.  Call for exact time

July 18, 2025 – Casual Dinner for Singles 40+
An easygoing meetup at Level Blue rooftop bar at SunSeeker Resort Punta Gorda—great food, drinks, and new connections

July 19, 2025 – “Nightfall: Creature at Camp Deadwood”
Enjoy a spooky group outing from the Tampa Escape Room Meetup in Port Charlotte—perfect for thrill-seekers and puzzle enthusiasts alike 

Friday, July 18, 2025 - Free Family Movie Night: Paddington Bear in Peru  1100 S McCall Road, Port Charlotte, FL

Outdoor/open-air movie night at a local park—bring chairs/blankets

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Peat moss. In the early 20th century, sections of what is now Port Charlotte were harvested for peat—a rich, organic material used to condition soil. This little-known resource was transported across Florida to help revive citrus groves and farmland, long before the area became a residential hub.